London’s spectacular Art Deco hotels.

“Art Deco” is a distinctively elegant style of architecture that came to London in the 1920s and 1930s and is still in evidence today. This article and its photos give you an overview of London’s stunning Art Deco hotels.

Staying in an Art Deco hotel arguably gives you a truer feeling of “being in London” than you would get from a contemporary or chain hotel.

It evokes a feeling of excitement and glamour, particularly when you are lounging around the hotel’s public spaces.

You can find Art Deco showcased in many coffee-table books and websites. If you like the style, then why not consider staying in one of London’s gorgeous Art Deco hotels?

Art Deco has left its mark on hotels as prominent as Claridge’s, the Dorchester, the Savoy, the Sheraton Park Lane and the Strand Palace.

Several have been tastefully refurbished while retaining their Art Deco heritage. Here we provide a brief summary of each Art Deco hotel.

Please check TripAdvisor guest reviews before booking, since the hotels all score differently in terms of service and value for money:

Claridge’s:

Original Art Deco features are intermingled with modern touches giving a stylish, elegant feel. There are bold lines and sweeping curves all around you. For me personally, Claridge’s is the ultimate Art Deco hotel – a feast for the eyes the moment you enter. Do make sure that you specifically ask for an Art Deco room or suite when you book.

The timeless elegance of Claridge’s gives you a great sense of the glamour and glitz of 1920s London

The Dorchester:

The style here is quite traditional, with the atmosphere almost of a distinguished country retreat, although it is also quite ostentatious. This hotel has a certain air of tranquillity about itself, reinforced by its excellent spa services. To assess it against Claridge’s our head-to-head comparison of London’s ultra-deluxe hotels may prove useful.

Even the China Tang restaurant at the Dorchester was designed with Art Deco touches

Savoy Hotel:

The Savoy is truly one of London’s most spectacular Art Deco hotels, but is currently closed for a major £100m refurbishment. Although it was originally due to reopen in 2009, delays in the project have pushed this back to 2010. But it will certainly be worth the wait. According to its General Manager, the 1929 iconic steel canopy is being restored as well as some truly luxurious Art Deco guestrooms with all the mod-cons. Other highlights expected include a new bar and tea shop, a set of re-launched River Suites with views over the Thames and a rooftop swimming pool.

The Savoy is a true London icon and we can’t wait to see it reopen in 2010 after its exciting Art Deco restoration

Sheraton on Park Lane (picture at top of page):

This hotel was opened in 1927 at the height of Art Deco’s heyday as can be clearly seen from its stylish public areas. These include its famous Ballroom which has featured in Jeeves and Wooster, Brideshead Revisited and James Bond’s Goldeneye. The hotel claims that all its rooms also have Art Deco touches. If you stay there, you should ask for a room with views over magnificent Green Park.

This was once one of London’s most glamorous Art Deco buildings and has now been completely updated. It is an iconic building which is perfectly placed if your London visit is about theatres, sightseeing and nightlife. There is currently a contest to celebrate the hotel’s 100 year centenary in October 2009, giving 100 rooms away for 100 pence! Even outside the special offers this is probably the cheapest of London’s Art Deco hotels.

The Strand Palace Hotel is a landmark London hotel almost equidistant to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the River Thames

By the way, another of London’s most famous Art Deco buildings is known as the “Hoover Factory” (now tastefully converted into a Tesco supermarket!) in Perivale. It’s a little off the beaten track but worth checking out if you’re an Art Deco aficionado.

Check-in date

Check-out date

The deal: as a London Hotels Insight insider you’ll get the Tune “comfort package” included – with TV, 24 hours of WiFi, towel & toiletry rental, room safe and hairdryer.

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The deal: as a London Hotels Insight insider you’ll get several extras at this gorgeously discreet gem (read about the hotel’s service philosophy here) round the corner from Harrods. You’ll love the complimentary cream tea!

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The deal: as an LHI insider you’ll get a free bottle of champagne in your room on arrival as well as a free English breakfast for two (minimum 2 night stay). Free WiFi is already standard and don’t forget to stay for afternoon tea!

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The deal: as a London Hotels Insight insider you’ll receive a complimentary welcome cocktail from Brunello Lounge as well as free WiFi throughout your stay in this stylish Italian luxury gem of a hotel – don’t miss aperitivo time!